Rinzin Phunkjok Lama

Scientist and environmentalist Rinzin Phunkjok Lama is leading the way for a new generation of conservationists determined to protect the nation’s rich biodiversity. Lama was born and raised in the Humla district of northwest Nepal, one of his country’s poorest, most isolated and highest regions (some 3,000 to 5,000 metres above sea level).

He was inspired and mentored by 1981 Rolex Laureate, wildlife biologist Rodney Jackson, who spent four decades of his life protecting the threatened snow leopard. Lama has made it his mission to protect not only the snow leopard, but also the threatened Himalayan wolf, Himalayan black bear, wild yak, Tibetan argali, musk deer and other species of Nepal’s high-altitude wildlife.

Lama’s long-term solution to overcome the threats to this biodiversity is to engage local people from Humla, particularly young environment graduates, fulfilling his vision of “leading by locals”. The people of Humla district depend on the region’s biodiversity for their livelihoods.

However, as only 1% of the land is suitable for farming, their agriculture is limited to subsistence. Humla also suffers from high rates of food insecurity and illiteracy, lack of development and limited economic opportunities, so Lama wants to empower communities to become the stewards of the land.

Lama will enhance and enlarge current conservation activities and train and promote local leadership in conservation. Citizens will be trained in law enforcement to reduce illegal hunting, logging and forest fires. Lama is collaborating with a group of women skilled in making the traditional attire of the local Nyinba tribe, ensuring the preservation of these skills and the creation of jobs.

His Rolex Award has the potential to make Lama a lifelong national voice for conservation and a model for young people to champion the environment. Nepal faces an urgent need for many hands to come to the rescue of its biodiversity.